So this is the first post on my newly designed blog.. Still needs a few good touch ups but what can I say… Good things take time!
As many of you know I shoot lots of Birthday Parties. I love them! So much excitement and joy! I’ve seen great parties and I’ve seen great parties flop… So I decided to write a blog post on things that will make your party go over smoothly! Your child’s first birthday is a very special occasion and is one that should be very memorable. Planning the perfect celebration will make sure that everything goes perfect without any major problems. The kids have fun, you can relax (a little) and most of all, your little one enjoys it.
Your baby’s first birthday is certainly something to celebrate with those you love. However, while you might want to throw a party and buy her a ton of special presents, don’t feel pressured into going over the top. Your baby won’t appreciate such extravagance and small is definitely beautiful at this age!
Who do we invite?
This is the first thing you need to decide and make a list of about 2 months prior to party! Make your list and get your invites ready! Most children these days are very closely attached to Mommy and Daddy, She most likely doens’t have a large social group right now and thats probably how she likes it. She may be afraid of strangers and new places, so it’s wise to stick to just inviting close friends and family to your house or a familiar location. Mail all invites 4-5 weeks prior to event! I suggest Letting close family and VIP’s know as soon as you have a date. The sooner they know the sooner they can block off the date! Nothing worse then booking a date and sending out invites only to find oyur favorite aunt has another commitment that day!
What time should we have it???
I get this question a lot… Especially when they are going to book an outside Party. It’s your child. YOU know them best. By age one, your baby may be used to having a nap during the day,if not 2 of them. The worst time for the excitement of a party is when your baby is tired, after nap time works well. If you are inviting other moms and babies, Its nice to check out their nap times with their parents. Once one starts screaming, they all will! Keep the party brief because an hour or so is quite long enough at this age. I would say the average time or parties is between 1 and 3 pm. If your party is going to be outside, Think about the weather. In mid summer 1pm parties can get pretty hot and that can overwhelm small children!
What to play???
First off-Balloons are VERY DANGEROUS for babies. Does that mean you can’t have them? Certainly not. It just means be careful with them! Why not have some musical fun instead, such as dancing with your baby to a nursery rhyme CD. Maybe a table full of blocks or toys to play with? Your baby will appreciate a few simple games more then a real tight schedule. Play things like Row your boat or Mulberry Bush with plenty of tickles, too. Most likely little things like helping oyu open presents will be the most fun! Do brace yourself for her being much more excited by the wrapping paper than the actual gifts!
Where to have it???
Home is my first choice of where to have your party! Your baby will feel the most secure there! With all the people and decorations you want something to be familiar for them! Other choices that are good are local parks, motels and halls. The park may be a great idea, but you may want to consider the kids who will be there. 1 year olds + Birthday Cake = Big mess. After my daughter’s smashing of the cake, we took her immediately to the sink. Our local motel rents out the conference room for $100 for the day ($50 for 4 hours) and it comes with a private entrance a kitchen area and 2 bathrooms.
What food to serve???
This is a big thing! With lots of little ones around yo want to be safe! I say keep it simple. You have to remember with a bunch of kids most will end up on the floor! I like to offer finger foods at our parties! Keeps from needing more silverware! Now whos to say you can’t have some good foods for the adults! WE usually have a few pizzas and chips on hand as well as Soda Pop, Juice and milk. Don’t forget the cake! No party is complete without one! Some parents lean toward cupcakes then its less cutting and serving! Just be careful of the candle. Most little ones like to grab it! Don’t forget an extra outfit for after the cake smash!!
What about presents?
Most one year olds can walk, if not stand by themselves. They also like to place everything in their mouth. Keep these 2 things in mind when buying for them! Some great Birthday ideas are blocks, Cars, baby dolls, Stuffed animals, and alot of handmade items. For my 3rd daughters 1st Birthday we took a big box and decorated it up with markers and streamers and paper and SHE LOVED IT! CHEAP TOO! My youngest daughter received a gift from a dear friend of home made play cookies. There were 12 cookies in the bag made from a felt material stuffed with cotton. Each cookie had a number embroidered 0-10 then the last one had her name! It came with a matching cloth bag to keep them in. Its her favorite gift by far! If all else fails get them clothes!
Top tips for a successful party
Have someone else make the cake and treats!
Make sure the area is clear of small objects. Babies/toddlers will eat anything!
Keep pets put away. Little ones can hurt animals just as much as animals can hurt them!
Hire a professional photographer so you don’t have to worry about getting the moments captured!
Have an area set aside for nursing moms and diaper changes… A simple chair and changing area off to the side a little is perfect!
Get family to help out as much as possible.. The less you have to worry about the less stressed you will be!
Play lots of fun music! It relaxes everyone!
Have fun and relax enjoy it. They only happen once!
